MARINE POISONS
A number of marine organisms are poisonous to humans. These can be divided into those which are poisonous when eaten and those which are venomous, either stinging or injecting poison.
Ciguatera poisoning is caused by eating fish which have consumed toxic algae which colonise damaged coral reefs. Herbivorous fish graze on the algae, which is incorporated into their tissues, although it causes no damage to them. Carnivores eat the herbivores and the toxin is concentrated in their tissue. Eating large carnivorous species of tropical fish, such as Spanish mackerel, barracuda, snapper and trevally, can expose humans to ciguatera poisoning.
Within 12 hours of ingestion the sufferer may experience general weakness, aching limbs, tingling in hands, feet and lips, itching in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, reversal of hot and cold sensations, chest tightness, headache, toothache and convulsions. In severe cases, death can result. If the poisoning is recognised within six hours, vomiting should be induced. In any case medical attention should be sought urgently. In order to prevent exposure to ciguatera poisoning, fish should be eaten with caution.
A number of plankton-eating fish and bivalves (such as clams, mussels, abalone and shellfish) can accumulate high concentrations of toxins by feeding on toxic red-tide microalgae without harming themselves. Birds, fish, crabs, other animals and humans consuming such animals are affected by these toxins. Paralytic shellfish poisoning is caused by neurotoxins which can cause nausea, loss of balance, defective vision and, in severe cases, convulsions and death due to muscle paralysis. Diarrhoetic shellfish poisoning causes abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms develop within a few minutes to a few hours of eating contaminated fish or bivalves. Amnesic shellfish poisoning causes vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps and permanent memory loss due to the loss of brain cells. Fortunately none of these forms of poisoning is common. However, increasing pollution of our coastal waters by nutrients from sewage outfalls may lead to increased outbreaks of shellfish poisoning. In countries where reported outbreaks have taken place, it is part of fisheries management practice to regularly monitor microalgae and make random checks of shellfish tissue.
A number of marine animals have venomous stings. These include jellyfish (see Bites and Stings).
The blue-ringed octopus is well-known for its venomous bite. Found in the southern coastal waters of Australia, the blue-ringed octopus is rarely seen because it has a span of only 12 cm, moves very fast and has excellent
camouflage. It also has a habit of hiding in discarded cans and bottles, dead gastropod shells or clumps of mussels.
Another animal with a poisonous bite is the cone shell, an oblong smooth dark brown shell with white markings, approximately 10-15 cm long. The following remarks apply to both animals. The initial bite is rarely felt. There may be slight bruising, but otherwise the wound is hard to see. Symptoms are numbness, nausea, visual disturbances, speech impairment, numbness of tongue and breathing difficulties. Paralysis may develop rapidly with respiratory failure, in severe cases within one hour. Medical aid should be sought urgently. Before paralysis sets in, the bite should be washed and a firm bandage placed all the way up the affected limb. The patient should be rested on her or his side. Following paralysis, EAR (mouth-to-mouth resuscitation) should be applied, and in advanced cases cardio-pulmonary resuscitation may be needed.
Some fish, such as stonefish and bullrout have stinging spines which may inject poison when disturbed by humans. It is therefore advisable to wear protective footwear when walking on rocks on the shore or wading in deep water or on mud flats. Symptoms include immediate intense pain at the site of the puncture, followed by the spread of pain along the limb and swelling. The stinging spine may be present in the wound and the area sometimes turns grey or blue. Sweating, shock and irrational behaviour can also be signs. Medical aid should be sought urgently. The affected part should be placed in very warm fluids and foreign bodies should be removed if they come away easily. Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation may be necessary if breathing stops.
Stingrays also have stinging spines halfway along their tails which can inflict painful wounds. Since these animals often lie submerged in the sand, care should be exercised when wading. The injection of a stingray's barb will cause immediate intense burning pain, bleeding and possible difficulty in breathing. The barb should be gently extracted if visible and the wound bathed with hot water. Medical aid should be sought.
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THE JOY OF PERFECT HEALTH: ORTHODOX MEDICINE
People who control the chemical industry - the largest business on this planet - are in a very special business position: on one hand they invent, manufacture and recommend food additives, artificial sweeteners, food extracts, food processing, plastics, cleaning agents, solvents, pollute our environment etc., and on the other hand, they benefit greatly from our bad health by selling us drugs. This state of affairs offers a unique opportunity for corruption. Such corruption could be very difficult to detect, especially if there is a long delay between consumption of food additives or living in polluted environment and related health effects (20 years for example) and if there are many possible diseases (due to the varying proportion of additives and pollutants taken by each person).Medical Business educates the population, that the only one way to cure diseases is to use drugs (and surgery in extreme cases). We are told, that drugs are supposed to do the healing, and if one drug does not help, we should try another. We are made to believe, that for each disease there should be a different "cure" in the form of a drug. The single most important document in any modern medical practice becomes a prescription. Have you ever left a doctor's surgery without one ? We are told that we are not in any way responsible for our diseases. They "just come with age" or "they are result of an infection", or "there are aggressive bacteria, viruses and other micro-organisms trying to kill us" and everybody around is getting sick anyway, so we are not alone in our suffering. Therefore, we should accept our sickness together with the drug treatment and pay for it too. Doctors are paid in accordance with the number of patients they attended without regard to the results they produce (the cure rate). This encourages doctors to work in a hurry to attend as many patients as possible. Doctors who successfully cure patients using their own observation, talent and reasoning and who do not strictly follow the prevailing medical doctrine, not only risk to be criticised by orthodox practitioners, but also risk losing their "license" to practice, even if ALL their patients are grateful for helping them.The above facts suggest the conclusion, that progress in the medical sciences is limited to the areas of study of diseases and to the development of drugs, extracts, hormones, etc. to "cure" these diseases and/or provide some relief. It was therefore convenient for medicine to adopt the so-called "bacteria theory of disease". Briefly speaking, this theory, introduced by Pasteur, states that each disease is "caused" by the corresponding "bug" - a bacterium. This theory has gained universal public and scientific acceptance. According to the theory, killing bacteria by newly found chemicals, antibiotics, enzymes etc. should be the ultimate function of medicine.
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THE DIVISIONS OF THE IRIS: THE RADIAL, CIRCULAR AND SECTORAL DIVISION OF THE IRIS
In studying Misdiagnosis, we need first to learn the topography, that is, the divisions of the iris.
Nearly every iris researcher has tried to evolve something special for himself, with the result that varying perceptions and interpretations are current. With goodwill, all might be reconciled.
These differences are inevitable, for one investigator had no academic training, and presented his observations in the language that was familiar to him, while others had already studied medicine and made use of scientific qualifications. Some considered the colour changes more (Liljequist), while others were chiefly concerned with the location of signs (Peczely). It should also not be forgotten that many signs may appear according to the locality, and in consequence of nutritional and climatic influences.
This article will endeavour to present the best, the most useful, and generally considered most important information from all systems. What is the most important?
If one wishes to commence something it is usual to make a plan, either on paper or at least in the head. We shall also do so. For the purpose, the iris is divided radially and circularly.
Radial division: The pupil is surrounded by a circular formation—the iris. We will begin with the radial division of this circle.
The figure shows three possibilities—division of the iris into minutes, hours and degrees. The division into degrees 1-360 is too small for the purpose. The hourly division 1-12 is indeed familiar to everyone, but is rather crude for the precise location of iris signs, whereas the radial division into minutes 1-60 is suitable for all purposes. For those who wish to keep to the degree or hourly division it will suffice, but in this book, the 1-60 division will be followed.
Circular division: Now note the second most important aspect of iris topography, namely, the circular division. From the pupil to the outer border of the iris the area is divided by concentric rings. Each of these divisions is called a Zone.
In comparing the available literature in this respect we find considerable differences. Not only are many zones specified, but their names are very different. Peczely names three zones—a stomach, an intestine and an outer zone. He speaks, however, of regions. This division, with slight differences, is also given by Felke, Hense, Anderschou, Collins, Kronen-berger, Baumhauer and Maubach. Vannier, Wirz and Kritzer specify only two regions. Schnabel mentions three zones. However, he names as the first zone the one he calls the 'Neurasthenic ring', as the second the stomach, and as the third the intestinal zone. Frau Pastor Madaus, Frau Eva Flink and Struck divide the iris into three large zones or six small regions—or as we would now say—zones. Dr. Bernard Jensen of California also names six regions, not including the pupillary margin. Thiel is a particular exception, he has specified several narrow and wide rings in his system. In connection with this, there are also various interpretations.
In this article the division of the iris according to Frau Eva Flink will be adopted, using the designation Zone. Passing to the consideration of the iris structure, we note immediately around the pupil a fine dark-to-light brown border which is quite narrow, and which we designate: Pupillary margin. The real objective of observation is the 'edge' around the pupil. The alternative term—Neurasthenic ring—was coined by Rudolph Schnabel. Colour changes and organic lesions of this ring indicate disturbances of the central nervous system.
The iris itself is divided into three major, or six minor equal zones. On examination of the iris a particularly striking change in the course of the iris fibres is noticed. This interruption in the course of the fibres, which normally includes about one-third of the iris, is called the Iris-wreath. On close examination we find this first one-third division, i.e. the first major zone, normally subdivided, and including the first and second minor zones. This part of the iris is also known as the pupillary zone. If the iris-wreath is not visible, then one has to reckon with pathological disturbances.
The further division of the outer two-thirds of the iris, also called the ciliary zone, is less striking in terms of change in the iris fibres. However, this area is arbitrarily divided into two major, i.e. four minor equal zones. That it is important to examine the iris according to this division will be seen later from the study of the positions of the organ and disease signs.
This scheme of division was first introduced by Frau Pastor Madaus in her system. Frau Eva Flink and Colleague Struck also made use of the same schema. If we bear in mind the three major and six minor zones, as seen in a normal iris, there will be less likelihood of misinterpretation. The First Major Zone contains the organs of food preparation and resorption:
First minor zone—stomach.
Second minor zone—intestines.
Third minor zone—blood and lymph vessels.
Fourth minor zone—muscular system.
In this zone we also have the positions for the organs: heart, kidneys, adrenals, pancreas and gall-bladder.
The Third Major Zone contains the organs for body support and ultimate utilisation, including detoxication and elimination:
Fifth minor zone—skeletal system.
Sixth minor zone—skin.
Detoxication: liver and spleen. Elimination: through nose, mouth, urethra, anus and total skin.
Sectoral division: Besides the division into zones, it is necessary to define the exact position of individual organs. For this purpose, the iris is divided into sections by drawing lines from the outer border to the pupil. Frau Madaus writes in her article on this method:
The division of the iris into one-half, quarter, eighth, and sixteenth, including the
'change-over' and insertions, establishes the mathematical structure and harmonic relations of Misdiagnosis in general. Each division shows a front and back or sideview of the body. Furthermore, it establishes as lying diametrically opposite each other, that which naturally belongs and functions together.
In these words, the so-called 'change-over' is explained.
If a diagram of the iris is divided into four equal quadrants by a vertical line drawn from top to bottom, and a horizontal line drawn from right to left, the body divisions belonging together will not be under one another, but opposite each other.
Thus, in the iris, the areas for face and neck lie in the upper nasal quadrant, chest and abdomen in the lower temporal quadrant. Occiput and clavicle lie in the upper temporal, and the back in the lower nasal quadrant. In other words: by 'change-over' one understands that the front view of the body lies in the upper half of the iris nasalwards, and in the lower half of the iris temporal wards. Correspondingly, the posterior body lies in the upper half of the iris temporalwards (laterally) and in the lower half of the iris nasalwards (medially).
The above will have clarified the concept of 'change-over', so let us pass on to consider the above-mentioned dividing lines and their interpretation.
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MINERALS
Sources of minerals and trace elements and their uses
Calcium
function in body: Growth and maintenance of healthy teeth and bones; nerve function; blood clotting; muscle contraction; metabolises iron.
sources: Fish (especially those eaten with bones); soybeans; dairy products; almonds; sesame seeds; sunflower seeds; watercress; fortified cereals. Vitamin D facilitates uptake. effects of deficiency or excess: Deficiency can cause rickets, osteomalacia, osteoporosis.
Chromium (trace element)
function in body: Functioning of skeletal muscles; storing and metabolising sugars and fats.
sources: Unrefined wholegrain and cereal products; fish and shellfish; brewers yeast; beef.
effects of deficiency or excess: Deficiency can cause depression, confusion, irritability. Excess can be toxic.
Cobalt (trace element)
function in body: Component of Vitamin B12 which prevents anaemia.
sources: Meat; liver; kidney; shellfish; green leafy vegetables. effects of deficiency or excess: Deficiency causes lack of Vitamin B12, leading to pernicious anaemia; bowel disorders; weak muscles.
Copper (trace element)
function in body: Formation of red blood cells; growth of bones; absorption of iron; pigmentation of hair and skin. sources: Shellfish; nuts; liver; kidney; pulses; brewers yeast; tap water from copper pipes.
effects of deficiency or excess: Deficiency can cause anaemia, low white blood cell count. Excess can be toxic.
Fluorine (trace element)
function in body: Strengthens teeth and bones.
sources: Fluoridated tap water and toothpastes; fish (especially
those eaten with bones); meat; tea; cereals.
effects of deficiency or excess: Deficiency causes tooth decay,
osteoporosis. Excess causes mottled and discoloured teeth,
increased density of bones in the spine, pelvis and limbs and
calcified ligaments.
Iodine (trace element)
function in body: Production of hormones in the thyroid gland which control metabolism; promotes growth; promotes energy; mental alertness
sources: Iodised salt; Irish moss; kelp; seafood; fruit and vegetables grown in soils containing iodine.
effects of deficiency or excess: Deficiency causes goitre, weight gain, lack of energy. Excess can cause thyroid diseases.
Iron
function in body: Production of haemoglobin; distribution of oxygen and removal of carbon dioxide in body tissues; production of myoglobin (red pigment in muscles). sources: Red meat; liver; kidney; oysters; kelp; pulses; dried fruits; nuts; oats.
effects of deficiency or excess: Deficiency causes anaemia. Magnesium
function in body: Healthy teeth and bones; functioning of the nerves, muscles and metabolic enzymes. sources: Wholewheat cereals and products; eggs; meat; nuts; pulses; seeds.
Manganese (trace element)
function in body: Functioning of the nerves, muscles and many enzymes; bone strength.
sources: Whole grains; nuts; pulses; avocado; egg yolk; green leafy vegetables.
effects of deficiency or excess: Deficiency can cause bone deformities and impede growth rate.
Molybdenum (trace element)
function in body: Metabolism of iron; male sexual function; prevention of dental caries
sources: Oats; barley; pulses; root vegetables; liver.
effects of deficiency or excess: Excess can prevent body from
utilising copper.
Phosphorus
function in body: Conversion and storage of energy; healthy bones; function of muscles, nerves and some enzymes; intestinal absorption of certain foods.
sources: Meat; poultry; fish and shellfish; nuts; seeds; pulses; dairy products; eggs.
effects of deficiency or excess: Deficiency causes bone pain; stiff joints; disorders of the central nervous system; weakness. Excess can interfere with intestinal absorption of calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc.
Potassium
function in body: Maintains balance of fluids and pH in the body; disposal of body wastes; aids in sending oxygen to the brain; function of nerves and muscles.
sources: Fresh fruits and vegetables; whole grains and products; prunes; milk.
effects of deficiency or excess: Deficiency can case muscular weakness and paralysis, low blood pressure; thirst; loss of appetite; sensitivity to noise. Excess can aggravate some heart conditions.
Selenium (trace element)
function in body: Functioning of the red and white blood cells; along with Vitamin E works as an anti-oxidant; detoxifies metals including cadmium, mercury and lead; may protect against some cancers; prevents dandruff and some skin disorders; healthy liver function.
sources: Garlic; onions; whole wheat and products; fish and shellfish; red meat; chicken; broccoli; brewer's yeast; Brazil nuts.
effects of deficiency or excess: Deficiency causes premature aging, cardiovascular disease and asthma and may be a factor in cancer. Excess can cause neurological disorders.
Sodium
function in body: Along with potassium maintains balance of fluids, especially water, and pH in the body; function of nerves and muscles.
sources: Common salt, baking powder; cured and smoked fish and meats; kelp; beets; artichokes; coconut; figs. effects of deficiency or excess: Deficiency can cause heat prostration, dehydration, low blood pressure and indigestion. Excess causes high blood pressure, heart disorders and oedema (fluid retention).
Sulphur (trace element)
function in body: Synthesis of protein; promotes healthy skin, hair and nails; combats bacterial infection. sources: Meat; fish; dairy poducts; eggs; pulses; cabbage. effects of deficiency or excess: Deficiency can cause skin diseases.
Zinc (trace element)
function in body: Formation of insulin in body; release of Vitamin A; healing; healthy reproductive organs; functioning of growth and development enzymes.
sources: Red meat, liver; egg yolks; dairy products; whole wheat and products; oysters; brewers yeast.
effects of deficiency or excess: Deficiency can cause infertility, enlarged prostate gland, acne and skin disorders, slow healing of wounds, slow physical, mental and sexual development. Excess can cause nausea, diarrhoea, dizziness and dehydration.
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THE LAYERS OF THE IRIS
From anterior to posterior the iris is organised in the following layers:
1. Endothelial
2. Anterior marginal layer
3. Vascular layer = Stroma
4. Posterior marginal layer = Dilatator layer
5. Epithelial pigment = Stratum pigmenti iridis
6. Retinal layer = Pars iridica retinae
1. The question of the existence of the Endothelial layer is not completely settled. Many researchers assume an anterior membrane of the human iris, others dispute it.
2. The anterior marginal layer is composed predominantly of cells, between which lie numerous nerve endings but few blood vessels. Cells bearing colour material—Chromatophoren—may be present, which together with the stroma gives rise to certain colour changes in the iris. Where the marginal layer is missing, smaller or larger dark-shining openings—so-called crypts—tissue spaces, allow a view of the interior of the spongy iris—stroma. These crypts will be considered later as lacunae.
3. The Vascular layer, or iris-stroma, constitutes the principal bulk of the iris. It consists mainly of numerous blood vessels which radiate in spokes, and therefore run radially from the outer margin of the iris towards the pupil. The blood vessels are enveloped in a thick adventitia of connective tissue fibre, and are surrounded by a loose ramifying network and pigment cells, which fill out the spaces between the blood vessels.
These blood vessels appear as spiral formations below the anterior marginal layer. In these formations they can adapt to the conditions of expansion and contraction of the iris.
Besides the radiating blood vessels of the iris stroma, there is in the iris an arterial ring arising from the annular anastomosis of the ciliary blood vessels—the Circulus arteriosus iridis minor. It is situate at the border between the pupillary zone and the ciliary zone, and is called in Iridology the Iris-wreath.
In a very light iris one can also see a grey band at the pupillary margin. This is composed of smooth muscle fibres which surround the pupil in a ring-formation. They form the sphincter of the iris—Sphincter pupillae —which lies in the iris-stroma.
4. The posterior marginal layer—Dilatator layer—joins on to the posterior surface of the vascular layer. It consists of a continuous layer of spindle-shaped smooth muscle fibres, extending from the outer margin of the iris to the ciliary border near to the pupillary margin. Here it unites with the connective tissue of the sphincter.
5-6. The epithelial pigment forms the posterior surface of the iris and extends to the pupillary margin, around which it runs to the anterior surface of the iris, thereby giving rise to the frequently visible dark-yellow to black-brown pupillary margin.
This margin, where the fibres reflect back, is the only structure in the human body, which as the embryological representation of the central nervous system, provides a surface accessible to view.
This posterior pigment layer consists of two layers of epithelial cells which pass over into one another to the pupillary margin. (Stratum pigmenti iridis with Pars iridica.) Both together form the continuation of the retina as far as the pupillary margin. Thus, this layer of the iritis denoted Retinal, in contrast to the anterior layer which is called the Uveal. (Pars retinalis iridis, and Pars uvealis iridis.)
Apart from the structure referred to above, examination frequently reveals a number of light or dark concentric arc lines. These are seen particularly frequently in a brown iris where they stand out because of their light colour on a dark background. These are the 'contraction rings' of the iris, which in Iridoscopy have a special meaning.
Quite remarkable are the groups of white flakes seen at the periphery of the ciliary zone, and sometimes scattered regularly around the whole iris like a rosary. These will be discussed later under the heading 'Acute or chronic inflammation of the mucous membranes'.
At the periphery, there appears a partial, or frequently entire, dark almost black circle (Scurf rim). In old age it becomes obscured by a silver-grey rim projectingfromthesclera(Sclerotic rim). The black circle is formed by the crypts of the ciliary margin, and the silver-grey rim results from fatty infiltration—it is a sign of senile change (Arcus senilis).
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MENSTRUATION
Women's menstrual cycles are almost as individual as they are — there's a large variation in what is 'normal'. The cycle can take from 24 to 35 days (counting the day you start bleeding as the first day); bleeding can last for between two and seven days; and the amount of blood lost can range from 10ml to 80ml (the average being around 35ml). If blood loss is heavy it can lead to anaemia (iron deficiency).
To familiarise yourself with what is 'normal' for you, it's a good idea to keep a menstrual dairy. Some women are extremely regular, others less so, but once you get a feel for your usual pattern, you can be more alert to 'abnormal' variations.
Heavy periods (also called menorrhagia) may be caused by things like fibroids, pelvic inflammation, hormonal disturbances, tumours, and IUDs, but there may also be no apparent cause (this is known as 'dysfunctional uterine bleeding'). If your periods become much heavier than what's normal for you, you should seek advice from a health practitioner as it may indicate an underlying problem.
Shortages of iron, zinc, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin A have been suggested as causes of excessive bleeding, so supplements may help (but beware of taking large amounts of Vitamin A without supervision). Food intolerance may be a factor for some women, and if you're being treated for candidiasis, your periods may get heavier for a while before settling down again. Make sure you eat plenty of iron-rich foods such as green leafy vegetables and lean meat to counteract the possibility of anaemia. Among the herbs, bayberry, raspberry leaves, golden seal, sage or shepherd's purse may be useful, and supplements of dolomite (calcium and magnesium) taken for a few days before and during the period have been reported as effective.
Period pain (dysmenorrhoea) varies greatly among women. There are two types: primary dysmenorrhoea is related to the uterus actually contracting under the influence of prostaglandins (hormones); secondary dysmenorrhoea tends to extend outside the time when you are actually bleeding and can be caused by problems such as cysts, fibroids, polyps, infections or tumours.
You should investigate the cause if you feel you are experiencing secondary dysmenorrhoea, but there are many self-help treatments that can help relieve the pain. A hot water bottle against the abdomen can be soothing, as can a warm bath or shower. Exercise, especially swimming or yoga may help. Try massaging the uterus directly — pressing into your abdomen just above the pubic hairs; or experiment with acupressure — direct pressure on the Achilles tendon behind your ankle. Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, vegetable juices, fish and liver. Useful supplements may include magnesium, calcium and potassium; and the herbs crampbark, cimicifuga, chamomile, golden seal and raspberry leaf.
Amenorrhoea — absence of periods — is most commonly the result of pregnancy or breast-feeding. But if this is not the case, you should consult a health practitioner to try and track down the reason. Amenorrhoea can be caused by hormonal imbalances, extreme loss of weight (for example, as a result of a disorder such as anorexia nervosa — see separate entry), or by some drugs used to treat high blood pressure or cancer.
Cessation of menstruation is known as menopause.
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THE JOY OF PERFECT HEALTH: VIRUSES
With regard to viruses, most of the "facts" made available to the general public are simply not true. Viruses are not alive. This is official. They cannot move, do not have any metabolism, cannot multiply and do not have any attribute whatsoever associated with living organisms. They are simply very complex organic compounds (nucleic acids), created and modified as a result of the activity of surrounding living cells. Some of the above compounds (viruses) could be quite toxic. Bacteria can use viruses as food. Our cells use and produce viruses in the metabolic process.
The above facts indicate, that ever-present viruses and living bacteria in our body are in perfect symbiosis with it in a healthy state (the fact widely accepted by medical science) and therefore they are not the cause of disease.
When we are healthy, there is hardly any food for bacteria in our body, except in the intestines. Bacteria live there happily, helping us greatly to break down and absorb complex food as well as to dispose toxins. If our diet is healthy, we have only "friendly" bacteria, which are perfectly adapted to feed on and break down such food for us.
All bacteria are under the strict control of our mind-body system. Medicine says that our "immune system" is functioning properly.
However, when our body becomes damaged, poisoned, overloaded with toxins, it makes an effort to dispose of and/or break down dead matter and toxic deposits, wherever they may be accumulated. Modern medicine knows very well which toxins are accumulated in which organ. For example benzene goes directly and accumulates in the thymus gland. Bacteria from the intestines are allowed to enter the bloodstream and are transported to the disposal site. Very quickly these bacteria adapt to the local conditions. The bacteria most adequate to these conditions is created and the toxic/dead organic matter is transformed by it, hopefully for easier disposal by the body.
When the toxic sites are large, the population of bacteria explodes. Different types of bacteria will be adapted to the current condition in this part of the body. Bacteria in large amounts may create additional toxins which usually do not help us and cause certain symptoms, enabling us sometimes to identify their type. In this scenario, bacteria are not the cause of the disease, but they simply take advantage of any initial pre-existing toxic state in our body. Killing bacteria with antibiotics sometimes gives relief, because you give your body more time to restore the balance, reducing the rate at which toxins are neutralised and excreted.
Medicine has already tried the concept of sterile (bacteria free) body. It was shown beyond doubt, that it does not lead to a good health at all.
In view of the above, the statement that viruses or bacteria cause disease is therefore no more accurate, than saying that flies cause garbage.)
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MASSAGE
An ancient healing technique, massage is known to have been used as long ago as 3000BC in China, and was recommended by the well-known Greek physician Hippocrates in the 5th century BC. Most masseurs use oil as they rub, stroke and knead various parts of the body. One of the benefits of these actions is to stimulate blood circulation by moving blood towards the heart. Massage is also believed to stimulate the metabolic processes, assisting the body to assimilate food and eliminate waste products.
Among the physical and mental problems which can be helped by various forms of massage are back and neck pain, circulation problems, tension, headaches, anxiety, depression, insomnia and stiffness induced by exercise. Arthritis sufferers may also benefit from massage, but not directly on acutely swollen or inflamed joints.
Swedish massage is one of the most commonly practised forms of massage. This form of massage became popular in Europe from the 19th century when a Swedish gymnast, Per Henrik Ling, used ancient massage techniques combined with exercises for muscles and joints to develop a form of vigorous massage designed to stimulate the circulation of blood through the soft tissues of the body. Deep massage, as well as actions of stroking, kneading, slapping, rubbing, squeezing and pounding are used.
Acupressure is a Chinese form of massage which utilises the same pressure points which are used in acupuncture. Thought to be the forerunner of acupuncture, this form of massage by the thumbs and fingertips on the pressure points has been used for over 3000 years, originating in China. Shiatsu is a Japanese form of this therapy.
Sports massage is often practised on dancers, athletes and other people engaged in sports, both in the prevention and treatment of injuries. Remedial massage may be given before and after sporting events to tone muscles and joints. This treatment stretches muscles which have contracted and hardened during exercise and also helps to drain lactic acid, a toxic chemical waste product which accumulates in the muscles during strenuous activity, often causing cramps. Sports injuries such as sprains are also treated by massage in the form of firm stroking above and below the injured joint to disperse swelling, prevent the formation of adhesions and encourage free movement of the joint.
Reflexology is another form of massage which works on zones in the feet which correspond with sites in the body.
Massage is also often used in conjunction with aromatherapy, various scented oils being used according to the therapeutic effect desired.
Massage may not always be a suitable form of treatment, particularly for someone suffering from any type of fever or from circulatory disorders such as phlebitis, thrombosis or varicose veins. A doctor should be consulted if you are in doubt.
Therapeutic massage associations are listed in the phone book and qualified massage practitioners are often members of these associations.
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